Hadith #2357

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

إذا صُنِعَ إلَيْكَ مَعْرُوفٌ فَانْشُرْهُ۔

This can be translated as,

When a good turn has been done to you, then publicize it.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and spreading the good deeds that are done towards us.

The word (suni'a) "صُنِعَ" in this Hadith refers to a good deed or a favor that has been done. It encompasses any act of kindness, assistance, or favor that is performed for the benefit of another person. It is important to note that this word implies that the good deed is done sincerely and with the intention of pleasing Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to (anshurhu) "انْشُرْهُ", which means to publicize or make known the good deed. This does not mean boasting or seeking praise for oneself, but rather sharing the act of kindness with others in a way that inspires and encourages them to do good as well. By publicizing the good deed, we are spreading positivity and motivating others to follow suit.

This teaching of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is in line with the teachings of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) encourages us to acknowledge and appreciate the good that is done to us, and to express gratitude for it. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 14:7)

And if you show gratitude, I will surely increase you [in favor]

This verse reminds us that by acknowledging and spreading the good that is done to us, we open ourselves up to receiving even more blessings from Allah.

Furthermore, the Quran teaches us the importance of inspiring others to do good deeds. In Surah Al-Imran, Allah says, (Quran 3:104)

Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong. And it is they who are successful

By publicizing the good that is done to us, we become part of this group of people who invite others to do good and encourage righteousness.

Publicizing a good deed not only motivates others but also has a positive impact on the person who performed the act of kindness. When we acknowledge and appreciate the good that is done to us, we strengthen the bond of brotherhood and sisterhood within the Muslim community. It fosters a sense of unity and encourages a culture of kindness and generosity.

Moreover, publicizing a good deed can have long-lasting effects. When others witness acts of kindness being acknowledged and appreciated, they are more likely to be inspired to do good themselves. This creates a ripple effect, where one good deed leads to another, and the cycle of kindness continues to spread.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of acknowledging and publicizing the good deeds that are done towards us. By doing so, we not only inspire others to do good but also strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood within the Muslim community. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to recognize and appreciate the good that is done to us, and may He inspire us to spread kindness and positivity in our interactions with others.